Is Disease Screening Accurate?

Is disease screening accurate? The accuracy of different screenings for different diseases is the subject of a recent May 24^th Wall Street Journal article focusing on new heart disease screening poses the accuracy question as it explores the accuracy of a new test called CCTA screening, or coronary computed angiography and takes a look at some of the re-evaluations regarding other tests for screening disease.

CCTA (Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography)

This new technology is an imaging tool designed to assist with viewing coronary plaque build up at an early stage to establish whether that would be helpful in slowing heart disease progression. The conclusion of this study revealed that although follow-up visits increased, the testing had no hand in preventing more heart attacks, and other negative cardiovascular related events occuring from heart disease. However it was effective in making people aware of their heart condition early on, which can be useful for them to intervene with better diet and lifestyle habits.

Prostate Cancer Screening

PSA or prostate specific antigen is measured with prostate cancer screenings. However, the concern is that because prostate cancer tends to progress at such a slow pace, it isn't always detectable at an early stage. As a result of that, if the cancer is already in progress during a screening but undetectable, it may be too late when it actually does get found.

Breast Cancer Screening

In this Wall Street Journal article, it makes mention of the fact that the new mammogram recommendations made by the Preventative Services Task Force regarding women getting their first mammogram at age 50 rather than the older recommendation of 40 popular among many doctors as well as the American Cancer Society. These folks still feel that 40 should be the age for first time mammograms. The new recommendations also aren't frequent enough for some health care professionals, which are currently at a rate of every two years for women age 50 to 74.

Colon Cancer Screenings

This test seems to leave a lot of room for disease to creep up as well. The American Cancer Society currently recommends periodic colon screening in people 50 plus, but it's merely recommended every ten years. As an alternative health advocate I can say I've encountered clients in my health food store that had colonoscopys and then found themselves with colon cancer a year or two later.

Source: May 26^th issue of the Wall Street Journal's Health and Wellness section